All the paths traveled, written in history

Buddhism in Bangladesh

Maximum of Bangladeshis do not know, even in the text books the history of the country only includes Muslim, British and Pakistan era. It never highlighted another small but important part of the history which was the Buddhist era that was there before all the others.

Being a Muslim majority country it seems strange that once this same country had biggest and influential Buddhist domination. Still one of the major cities, Chittagong, has majority of Buddhists population (12%). The sub-tropical, hill tracts of Chittagong where most people are known as Chakma, Chak, Marma, Tenchungya and the Khyang. These groups of people are there since the establishment.

During the time of 304-232 DC the emperor Ashoka devoted himself to Buddhism and started spreading it throughout the regions. Bengal was under one of his ruling areas where he strongly spread the religion. Though being Hindu and Muslim dominated, Buddhism gradually started to own the place. After Ashoka’s rule, Gauda Empire was built by a powerful Buddhist king Sasanaka in 6th century. But then the power was overtaken by the king Sri Harsa who ruled until 8th century. Between 8th to 11th century Buddhism in Bengal was ruled by Gopala who was Tribal Chief from Verandra. He with the help of his son established the Somapura Vihara. Now this place is know as Paharpur which is a small city, Naogaon, Bangladesh.

Paharpur Buddhist Bihar of Bangladesh

Biggest Buddhist Temple in Bangladesh, The Golden Temple

Now Buddhism is the third largest religion in Bangladesh. Their fall started in 12th century when their power was taken by Hindus. All their establishments and their powers were crushed. After being destroyed few Buddhists flew to the small town known as Chittagong. After this small and dramatic episode of history now in 21st century the small number of Buddhism followers mainly live in Chittagong and by the border of Myanmar (Barma) and their religious sites are taken care by The Ministry Of Religious Affairs.